A Grille Discussion - Winter and TSS Issues

Hello there,

If you live "up north," you will know that we experience something called winter. Beyond the snow and cold, winter also brings debris buildup on our vehicles.

For those of you with TSS on 18+ models, this presents a problem. Salt, chemical, and ice buildup causes the TSS to go offline, as the sensor cannot penetrate through the buildup. The error message will read that the pre-collision detection is offline and the sensor requires cleaning, though I'm unaware if other features are affected.


(This is from today - hooray Wisconsin)

Have people with the pro grille experienced this issue? I realize the majority of us install pro grilles for looks, but this may be a case for actual functionality. The theory, in my mind, is that the recessed/flat cover for the TSS of the pro grille may not result in as much buildup as the pronounced emblem in other trims, like the off road.

Thoughts?

 

I have had mine now in two, going into 3rd Wisconsin/MN/U.P. winters, travel between all three states. Never had problem with TSS non-function. I do use Turtle wax ice wax, and detail spray on it. Nothing sticks, or stays on sensor.

 

Thoughts? Yeah, it happens. Yes these features are a good safety measure. Yes some don't welcome the features.

I for one used techstream to have pre collision disabled on start up. That dummy light is always on in my truck.

 

Regardless of the grill style, TSS is disabled anytime there is something interfering with the sensor signal. This could be snow, ice, frost or heavy condensation. PCS will turn off and sonar cruise control is disabled. Other than that, you'll be fine.

 

Although I would prefer the system to be 100% reliable under any conditions, I doubt that the TSS will do anyone any good in icy conditions. Just my thoughts.

 

I was working on a project that would fix this issue by installing a aux windshield washer system that just shoots the emblem with cleaner to rinse off salt and ice.

I got most of the parts, but never got very far with it.

 

Appreciate these tips. New to the UP of MI/WI area and suddenly having these issues. Only had it once in Alaska even driving 3,000mi of the iced down roads in winter when moving south. Recently put a "pro" grill on mine and the TSS sensor is much more sensitive now. Appreciate the turtle wax idea. Will try that soon. I have ski wax on hand so I might try that first. Thanks for the tip!

 

I'm in Central NY and it's happened a couple times last winter and a few times allready this winter. Its always snow and slush build up that causes it.

 

This isn’t limited to Toyota.
I came from a slew of BMWs and have driven other various makes and models, and as someone mentioned, if anything interferes with the signal, you’ll get an error.
You may get less stuff ‘sticking’ to it if you wax/coat the emblem/garnish, but in my experience, if the salt/weather is bad enough to mess with the signal you’ll always get an ‘error’.

Driving into direct sunlight will cause the same issue in some vehicles (camera goes ‘blind’). I have not had this happen with the Tacoma yet though, cause lack of sun at the moment lol

I’m in Northern Ontario, Canada for reference.

 

Interesting....I recently changed to the Pro grille and since doing so I've had the light come on twice, but both times I was facing into direct, intense sun light. Shut the truck off and restart and light goes out. Everything else [TSS related] seems to work as it should

 

Spray it down with Pam. I hear it’s also good for keeping your dogs nuts from freezing to the porch.